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Friday, October 9, 2015

Friday Favorites - Rescue Edition

I am LOVING my new cuffs from Farmgirl Paints. I can't decide which one is my FAVORITE because I love them both so much. The first one has a line from one of my all time FAVORITE books to read to my boys, "Love You Forever". I can't make it through without choking up and I love the little reminder that even as my babies grow they'll still be just that, my babies.

One of Griffin's FAVORITE phrases is "one more". One more candy corn, one more hug, one more piggy back ride, one more walk, etc. When I hear "one more" I will forever think of her at this sweet age. The cuff also has kind of a double meaning, because it also references my very FAVORITE Sally Clarkson quotes...

“I always wanted to be a hero--to sacrifice my life in a big way one time--and yet, God has required my sacrifice to be thousands of days, over many years, with one more kiss, one more story, one more meal.”

Monday morning was my FAVORITE morning this week. Despite being rushed and having to break up a wrestling match in the back of the van while we were loading up, we all paused to take in the AMAZING sunrise! I mean!!!

I've seen lots of pretty pink sunrises, but this one was special because it really looked like the air was almost pink...

There's no filter on this picture, but you can see the pinkness of the sunlight. So cool!!!

Festive outfits are my FAVORITE and we like to go big or go home :) This week we've been keeping it subtle (except not. at all.)

It's no secret that Mason's love language is quality time. Even a solo trip to the grocery store with just me and him is enough to fill up his little love tank :)

Monday night he and I ran to Kroger to pick up a few things and being able to say yes to his requests to look at the toy cars and try on Halloween masks made his day.

This was not my idea of a good time, but he got the biggest kick out of trying on the masks, having me take a picture and then looking at himself :) He's a mess!

Fall is kind of here in Texas... well, it's here from like 10 p.m. - 8 a.m.... then it goes back to Summer. I am OVER my summer clothes, and have been attempting to dress "fallish" while still being comfortable in the 85 degree weather. My new FAVORITE shirt is from Hippie Chick and it's AWESOME! It's cool and comfy, while still looking very "Fall".

Tuesday night I had some of my FAVORITE girls over and made them the best pumpkin sheet cake ever! And it's so easy!!!

For the Cake

- 15 oz can of pumpkin

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

- 1/2 cup apple sauce

- two cups sugar

- 4 eggs

- 2 cups flour

- 2 teaspoons baking soda

- 2 teaspoons cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

1) Combine the pumpkin, oil, apple sauce and sugar

2) Beat 4 eggs together and mix with the pumpkin, oil, apple sauce and sugar

3) Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a separate bowl, then combine with the pumpkin mixture

4) Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 for 45 minutes

For the Icing

- 5 tablespoons softened butter

- 3 oz softened cream cheese

- 1 teaspoon vanilla

- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

- a few splashes of milk

1) Beat together the butter, cream cheese and vanilla

2) Gradually beat in the powdered sugar

3) Add in splashes of milk while beating until it's "spreadable"

Griffin's favorite part??? The icing :)

Speaking of FAVORITE parts, her FAVORITE part of the morning routine? Pretending to drive while we load up the boys, bags, etc. :)

One more!!!

Mini Mason :)

Seeing what the kids bring home from school is always a FAVORITE time of the day and this week did not disappoint! A sea scene by Luke:

And his foldable body systems project (that he laid on the wet counter - ooops!!!)

IT unfolded to this... how awesome is that?!?!?!

There were envelopes that held cards where he had written facts about each body system.

This was on the school's Facebook page this week - some of the cutest first graders I know!

And apparently he crafted a hideout during recess this week :)

This note was my FAVORITE... can you figure out what is says??? :)

I love Minecraft and Legos and Mommy :)

This photo came across my Facebook feed this week and I immediately teared up. I've been blessed to have never had to experience a miscarriage and can't imagine the emotions that go along with that. Despite me never having experienced that, this photo that was edited to include the babies that this couple had miscarried made me tear up and hit my knees for my friends who have had to endure this. What a powerful image!

Last night I was going to put the boys to bed and when I walked by Griffin's room I saw this...

Door open, sound asleep on her carpet since she knows she's not supposed to leave her room.

#sweetbaby

I may have immediately though of this picture. And then immediately burst into tears.

Last, I've been reading a FANTASTIC new book by Candy Gibbs called "Rescue. Raising Teens in a Drowning Culture." and have been really enjoying it. It offers personal stories and insights from teens, practical applications and lots of encouragement.

Even though we don't have teens at home yet (#hallelujah!), it's provided me with some great insight into my kids at school and has given me lots of things to think about as we raise our kids. One of my favorite parts of the book was when it talked about the importance of family...

"Our children and our teens need parental stability, the anchor, to hold. They need your marriage and family to stay committed to one another and strong in faith. When your children grasp for something to hold on to in the middle of a storm, they will reach for the anchor of your family."

I have an extra copy to give away, so if you have teens (or pre-teens!) at home and you'd like to read it - leave me a comment (with your email address, please) and I'll pick someone this afternoon and drop it in the mail tomorrow!

I hope your weekend is full of your FAVORITES! Happy weekend, friends!

I love all your post! I would love a copy of the book. We have a 10 almost 11 year old son and an 8 year old daughter. I'm so scared I will blink and they will be graduating and driving. It breaks my heart! heatherbramlett01@gmail.com

I have a 15 year old daughter, we are talking college and careers she looks me in the eye last night and tells me " I have to raise me hand to go to the bathroom still and I'm supposed to decide what I want to do at the age of 15." I need this book ! Jmdj97@hotmail.com.

I would love a copy of that book! I have a daughter in 7th grade. I really think that book would be really helpful! My husband and I are always looking for great resources. Thanks! My email is srgoode@twc.com.

Would love a copy! My daughter will be 4 on Wednesday! Ah!! How did that happen so fast. But it's never to early to start thinking ahead. Would love love love to read it now and then pass it on for others to read.

I would LOVE to read this book! I have a 14-year old daughter, 11-year old son and a 6-year old daughter....I need this book! I also teach Middle school students with special needs! This book would be a great help!

Your timing is perfect! immediately got tears in my eyes seeing that little blip from that book. I need to read it-we have a 13 year old daughter and are going through some rough times with her right now and are trying to figure out the best way possible to parent her. Thank you for sharing!

Oh this book sounds perfect! I have 3 boys and my husband has 2 boys and 1 girl....ages 15,13,13,12,10 and 7. We are right in the thick of teenagers and trying to make a blended family thrive. Shannonjunttila@yahoo.com

Sorry, my e-mail is kcramer@wanee.org. Thanks, Andrea! :) P.S. I feel like you are my friend, even though we have never met. In fact, I get made fun of often by my husband because I always seem to reference you and your sweet family. :)

I would love to read this book! I have 2 teenagers at home...a 16yr old son and a 14yr old daughter. Seeing those pics of Griffin sleeping gave me a major flash back. My daughter used to sleep just like that, with her little feet crossed and her bum in the air!! So sweet!Thanks for sharing, Andrea! I look forward to reading your blog every day :) shellysexton@me.com

I would love to learn from this book as I have a blended family of two 16 year old boys, two 13 year old boys and a 10 year old girl! Would've been perfect this week while we are at the beach with friends on fall break!! Thanks for the fun giveaway! Always love reading your posts and Instagram pics, what a precious family. Enjoy them now bc they grow up soooo fast!!! 219shelly@gmail.com

Ok first off, that pumpkin recipe looks divine, and I am so making that this weekend! Second of all, those pics of Griffin are OVER.THE.TOP adorable!! And thirdly, I am off to buy that book today, thank you for the recommendation! I have 3 girls, 2 of which are teens (Lord help me). I hope whoever gets that book gets some awesome insight from it. Thank you so much for your blog, it is such a joy to read everyday....:)

I need to read that book! Raising kids is the hardest most rewarding job there is. We are far from perfect but I have raised two adult children who are truly remarkable adults, and even in their 20s (yikes to having 20 year olds) family is the most important thing in their lives. I'm so thankful knowing my children realize that no matter what life throws at them or how hard life gets we can all lean on each other ! Have a great weekend !

Hi Andrea. As a mom to two adorable little girls (ages 2 1/2 and 5) and a step-mom to 3 more girls (one is an adult now, but the other two are ages 16 and 11), I think this book would offer beautiful guidance as we continue to raise our children in His word. I want all my girls to know our family and our faith is always our foundation, and that it is solid. Your book recommendation sounds like a terrific resource to reinforce what we're striving for. I appreciate all that you share....your life, your family, your faith, and encouragement.

Two of my four "littles" are in the tween age and it is A WHOLE DIFFERENT BALLGAME!!!! I would enjoy having some guidance...especially Christian based since that is where I feel everyone needs to turn. My name is Kristi and my email is georgiamckays@gmail.com.

I loved this entire post. My husband and I have three littles (ages 6,4,2) and, like you, never had to experience the heartbreak of a miscarriage...but that picture made me tear up thinking about all of my girlfriends that have. So powerful. And those pictures of G? Why do they have to grow up so fast?????? I'd love to read that book, I'm always looking for encouragement. Being a momma isn't an easy job! kellyctesterman@gmail.com

Thank you for talking about this book. I have a 15 year old daughter that is constantly facing friend and school drama, so things can get a bit hard at times.....I'm open to any help or direction I can get...I'll definitely be buying this book!

You are a great mom! I so enjoy reading your blog and seeing a small snippet of your life and family! I have a 14 yr old and would love to read that book! Beth and email is dalejrfan4evr at hotmail.com .

Your comment about the book helping you understand your students caught my eye. I teach high school English and would love to read this. I also have a 10 yr old son who is growing too fast. mparry@alcoaschools.net

Thanks for the opportunity to read this book! I have four boys, all either teenaged or almost there. They're sixteen, fifteen and twins that are twelve. Sounds like a great read! My email address is allboys@gmail.com.

I would love to read that book! I'm raising three boys, ages 10, 12 and 16, and need all the help I can get! I grew up in a house full of girls :) I look forward to reading your blog every morning and can't wait to see what new pics you have put up of your precious kiddos! Especially look forward to videos of sweet GG! Amyleebenn73@gmail.com

Yikes!!! I love every stage of my kids' life, but the teenage years seem a little daunting to me!! I have 3 boys and a girl, 10, 9, 7 (girl), 3. Would love to read this book! I totally agree about the marriage and family part. Too many kids are growing up without any stability in their lives. I work part-time as our school nurse and see it all the time. My email is cs_hennigar@hotmail.com. Thanks for sharing your life with us, love reading your blog!!

I would love to read this book!! I have 2 kids, 12 year old daughter and 11 year old son. Even though their dad and I are divorced, we do TRY to keep the stability and support going for our kids. This book sounds like it would be a huge benefit for us. Love all your posts, thanks for letting us peek into your world!!

Hi Andrea, I have a 12, 16 and 20 yr old. This book looks like a great resource for parenting. Our kids are bombarded by a culture that seems to be moving farther and farther away from God. If ever they needed an anchor, it is now. Thank you for the offer of the book. Familyrobertson5@gmail.com

I am finding that raising teens is the toughest part of being a mom. My 16 year old son has been diagnosed with depression and extreme social anxiety and suffers from panic attacks. Also, social media, peer pressure, always feeling you are expected to be perfect make growing up today very difficult. My husband has been a rock the last year and we would appreciate more guidance - we would love to read the book. Thanks for sharing. kcdimmig@aol.com

I have a 15 year old son! He is an awesome kid who has Tourette Syndrom as well as a neuromuscular disorder but doesn't let any of that stop him. He has a heart for God and proudly wears his Newsboys concert t-shirt to school and jams to Christian music in the car even when his peers are driving with us. I would LOVE to read this book. - Dakri dakrisutton@gmail.com

I only have toddlers at home, but I lead a middle school girls bible study and many of them come from broken homes. I would love to read this so I can continue to try and be an anchor in their lives!!!

This really sounds like A book I would enjoy and NEED!! I have read several books regarding teens and would welcome another one. I have 2 boys ages 20 and 17) and a girl who turned 13 in August. Teeneage girls are sooo different!!! So this book would be an awesome addition for me! My email address is vcampos_99@yahoo.com

That book sounds amazing! I would love to read it--I have 2 kids, including a 10 year old son who I would like to keep this age forever!! The teen stuff sounds scary! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!nspangenberg@yahoo.com

I have a 12 yr old turning 13 next month, I need this book. The excerpt oh my! I'm buying it if I don't win but I would love it! I'm so scared of knowing how to parent a teen. It's definitely a different game to teach them. Katieallred83@gmail.com Katie Allred

Hi Andrea, I just wanted to say hello and that I truly enjoy your blog. Your kids are so adorable and your crafting skills are amazing! I too am a teacher (staying home with the kids at the moment) and and blogger. I'm just getting into blogging and have found lots of inspiration here and through your posts. Thank you! www.sprinklesontopblog.com

Hi Andrea- I am in the trenches- 2 middle schoolers (6th and 8th) My girls go to Denton Calvary Academy- so we know your school. You look like such a SUPER middleschool math teacher. :) I would love to read the book- pjmiddleton@juno.com Jennifer Middleton from Denton

Oh my goodness... I saw the title of your book and immediatly thought, "I need this book, like pronto". I have 2 boys who are teens with two more up and coming. I need help in figuring this whole thing out! cori@the-patricks.org

Oh my goodness... I saw the title of your book and immediatly thought, "I need this book, like pronto". I have 2 boys who are teens with two more up and coming. I need help in figuring this whole thing out! cori@the-patricks.org

You have probably already picked by now, if not my email is abarrettkalm@gmail.com. I have a 14 year old boy. I don't know how it happened so fast. Just yesterday he was my baby, then I blinked and he was all grown. Going through some rough times right now with my little man. Thank you for considering me.

I would love to get to read this book. I have a preteen, that is a stepchild, and I think it would have a lot of good insight to handling situations and doing it properly with all the boundaries we have as a blended family :-). Morganweller89@gmail.com